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Florida Court Rejects Broader Comp Drug Dispensing Rule

A Florida appeals court struck down a 2023 rule that would have forced workers‑comp insurers to reimburse medications dispensed by physicians, ruling the measure exceeded the statutory “free, full, and absolute choice” language for pharmacy selection. The court held that the term “pharmacy or pharmacist” does not cover licensed dispensing practitioners, and that the Department of Financial Services overstepped its delegated authority under the Administrative Procedure Act. The decision restores the pre‑rule status quo for employers and insurers, limiting reimbursement obligations. The ruling underscores the limits of agency rulemaking in Florida workers‑comp law.